Signs of Addiction

Addiction is a disease that takes over the entire life of the affected individual and has grave consequences for those who are addicted. This is why it is important for people to understand the signs of addiction and to educate themselves about the disease of addiction and the many types of treatment that are available to help those who wish to become free of addiction. It is important that once someone discovers a friend or family member is abusing drugs, alcohol or some other substance that they do everything in their power to help anyone they suspect of using drugs or alcohol to find the support and assistance that they need to safely and effectively begin treatment to reclaim their lives and begin the healing process on their road to recovery. The life of the addict is literally at stake if they are addicted to drugs or other substances.

Addiction to narcotics, alcohol, other substances and even some destructive behaviors affects millions of people all over the world. The more that the individual uses drugs, alcohol or other substances, the more that person’s life becomes structured around obtaining and using that which they are addicted to. Many destroy their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health as organs become damaged from using drugs in the process of pursuing their addictions and addictions wreck the home lives and economic stability of addicts and also their friends, family members and other loved ones. Once someone suffers from addiction physiological and psychological changes can occur that make it nearly impossible for the addict to just stop using and walk away from their addictions, even when they desperately want to do so.

Signs of addiction vary based on the addictive substance and the length of time and intensity that the substance has been used. Some symptoms of drug abuse include: mood swings, the inability to finish projects or complete tasks, unreliability, lying, stealing, isolation, withdrawing from once favored friends or activities, changes in activities and friends, change in appearance or appetite, neglect of hygiene, odd odors on clothing, glassy eyed appearance or uneven pupils, flushed skin, tremors and many more.

While the reasons why people begin using a particular substance or behavior to cope with their lives are different based on gender and some of the types of physiological and psychological effects are also different, addiction can strike anyone regardless of gender, age, social standing, education, race, religion, cultural background or financial prosperity. Addiction truly is a disease that knows no limits when it comes to choosing its victims. Complicating the treatment of addiction is the fact that many sufferers also have other mental illness and physical illnesses that can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of their addictions. This is why it is important for everyone to become as knowledgeable and informed as possible about the signs of addiction as well as the various types of treatment available so that they can make the best decision possible when deciding on a treatment plan and drug rehab facility.